What are the new community facilities in the neighbourhood?

Fall 2017 – Council approved the appointment of South Vancouver Neighbourhood House (SVNH) to operate Marpole Place as a neighbourhood house. SVNH will provide social programs and services to the community when renovations to Marpole Place are complete in 2018.

The Marine Landing area will see an increased need for social programs to support the growing population. Marpole-Oakridge Family Place will re-locate to a new and expanded facility at the Northwest project. Two new 37-space childcare facilities will open their doors at Northwest and Marine Gardens. These facilities will be run by the YMCA.

Honouring heritage in Marpole

Public art funding for Musqueam community

Fall 2017 – As part of the Marpole Community Plan, the community identified the need to integrate Musqueam culture, art, and design into public realm improvements. In 2016, we provided Musqueam artists with a $100,000 grant to design and develop public art in the community. Led by Musqueam curator Jordan Wilson, this project is expected to be completed in 2018.

Purchase and preservation of the Historic Joy Kogawa House

November 2016 – To ensure the preservation and continued use of Historic Joy Kogawa House, we purchased this important cultural and heritage facility from the Land Conservancy. This allows the Joy Kogawa House Society to continue operating this space at a nominal rent as an important cultural and education centre for healing and reconciliation.

Arbutus Greenway

Fall 2017 – We have built a temporary pathway to improve safety and accessibility while the future greenway is being planned. A design jam was held in October for community members to help shape the future of the Arbutus Greenway.

Concrete barriers at intersections along the pathway in Marpole will be replaced by removable bollards by the end of 2017. A signalized intersection will be under construction by summer 2018 where the Arbutus Greenway meets SW Marine Dr.

Increased Canada Line service

Infrastructure and bikeway improvements

2016 – Infrastructure upgrades and bikeway improvements have been underway since 2016 between Macdonald St and Camosun St. Learn more in the 2014 (219 KB) and 2016 (1.4 MB) updates to Marpole's Transportation Implementation Strategy.

Past developments

2016

Transportation update

August 26, 2016 – We have completed several transportation improvements since adopting the Marpole Community Plan in 2014. These improvements are to enhance safety and connectivity, and address local areas of concern identified throughout the planning process. Since 2014, we have completed the following:

Added new crosswalks, speed humps, and traffic diversions

Extended bikeways on SW Marine Dr, Kent Ave, and Cambie St

Revised pedestrian crossing times at major intersections along Granville St

We also recently purchased the 9 km Arbutus Corridor which will be transformed into a greenway that connects neighbourhoods from Marpole to False Creek.

What's happening to Marpole Place?

April 26, 2016 – To support the health and well-being of the Marpole community, and to help implement the goals of the Marpole Plan, the City-owned building known as Marpole Place is being renewed and will be available for use by a non-profit organization to provide community social services by late 2017 or early 2018.

The City is seeking a non-profit organization to lease this facility, located at 1305 West 70th Avenue, at a nominal lease rate of $10 per year. This building is approximately 12,000 square feet, with three floors of social service space, including a renewed community kitchen. Deadline for applications is August 16, 2016.

2014

Join us on our fall walking tours about transportation in Marpole

September 15, 2014 – How do people move around Marpole? How could we improve the walking and cycling routes in the Marpole Community Plan? Tell us what you think on a free walking tour with our transportation staff.

Let’s develop a transportation strategy for Marpole

June 17, 2014 – Staff with the City's Transportation Division are working towards a Transportation Implementation Strategy to prioritize and implement the transportation policies in the Marpole Community Plan. We will be holding a series of meetings to:

Share information about the City's transportation planning and design principles, opportunities, and challenges

Listen to Marpole residents, businesses, community groups, and service providers to help us develop a strategy to implement the transportation policies in the approved Marpole Community Plan that reflect the community's transportation priorities

Zoning amendments passed by Council

May 14, 2014 – After Council heard from speakers and reviewed correspondence, it approved the proposed zoning amendments that introduced two new zones in Marpole (RM-8/RM8-N and RM-9/RM-9N). It is anticipated the zones will be enacted in early June, enabling applications for the new housing types to be received shortly afterward.

Speak at a Public Hearing on proposed Marpole zoning amendments on May 13

May 2, 2014 – As part of implementing the new Marpole Community Plan, amendments have been proposed to the Zoning and Development Bylaw to allow the future possibility of townhouses/rowhouses, and 4-storey apartments in select areas in Marpole (Section 18.2 in the Marpole Community Plan).

City Council will consider the proposed amendments at a Public Hearing on:

Tuesday, May 13, 2014, 6:00pm
City Hall, 453 West 12th Avenue, Third Floor
Council Chamber

Speak at the Public Hearing

Marpole Community Plan approved by Council

April 2, 2014 – The Marpole Community Plan was approved by City Council today, along with a fixed-rate target for Community Amenity Contributions (CACs) in 6-storey apartment areas, and new district schedules to be referred to public hearing.

The next major step is for Council to consider proposed amendments to the Zoning and Development Bylaw at an upcoming public hearing. The proposed amendments would rezone several areas to allow the future possibility of townhouse/rowhouses and 4-storey apartments (Section 18.2 in the Marpole Community Plan). Stay tuned as the implementation of the Marpole Community Plan continues.

City releases proposed draft Marpole Community Plan

February 17, 2014 – The City has released the proposed draft of the Marpole Community Plan to be considered by City Council. We invite you to attend one of our learning sessions to find out more about the plan. You can also view the plan in detail online and submit any comments directly to Council for their consideration. Email Council or sign up to speak to Council once a date is set.

Highlights of the proposed draft community plan:

Includes policy direction for land use, housing, transportation, parks and public spaces, community amenities, heritage, and more

Focuses growth along or near major streets, where transit, shops and services are available

Provides direction on community facilities to serve a growing population

Improves affordable housing, parks and open space, transportation, and local business vitality

More learning sessions added

February 13, 2014 – We’ve had a lot of interest in our upcoming learning sessions, so we are adding three additional sessions:

Sign up early for a learning session on the proposed draft plan

February 3, 2014 – The Marpole planning team is about to release the proposed draft community plan for Council consideration. Sign up early to one of six learning sessions for an in-depth view. Each session will be identical, with a presentation and opportunity for discussion.

2013

Community discussions on the newly revised draft plan

December 18, 2013 – During November and December 2013, the Marpole planning team hosted a number of events to share the revisions made to the draft Marpole Community Plan, and to give the community opportunities to learn more, ask the planners questions, and share their feedback and concerns. Find out what we heard and view the presentation from the Dialogue Sessions.

November 7, 2013 – Explore the recent changes and details of the Marpole Community Plan. We have created plan highlights which you can explore above. Full draft policy details relating to housing, transportation, parks, community facilities, arts and culture, heritage and more, can be found under the Documents tab.

October 30, 2013 – For the past 18 months, we've been working with residents, businesses, and other stakeholders on a new community plan for Marpole. In June 2013, we received community feedback on a draft Marpole Community Plan. Since then, we've made some changes and will continue to work with the community on creating a successful new plan.

Kitchen Table Talks

Staff are also available to meet with small groups of residents, businesses or organizations (10-20 people) in your community. If you'd like to arrange an informal small group session with the planners, contact us at marpoleplan@vancouver.ca.

Council's motion on next steps for the community plans

September 27, 2013 – On September 25, 26, and 27, Council met to discuss the "Community Plans: Next Steps" report. On the final day, Council passed a motion to defer the Marpole Community Plan for additional consultation, to be considered by Council no later than March 31, 2014.

View feedback on the draft plan

September 20, 2013 – In June 2013, the City hosted three open houses on the draft Marpole Community Plan. Community members provided their feedback via questionnaire (on paper or online), discussions with staff, and comments on sticky notes. Find out what we heard and view the results of the feedback.

Answers to frequently heard questions about the draft plan, in English and Chinese

September 20, 2013 – Get answers to your questions about the draft plan, in English and Chinese. Read our bulletin that responds to questions we frequently heard in the feedback. Bulletin topics include:

Staff to update Council on next steps for community plans

September 17, 2013 – Staff published the report "Community Plans: Next Steps" about the process and next steps for community planning work in Downtown Eastside, Grandview-Woodland, Marpole, and West End. Council will discuss this report on Wednesday, September 25 at 9:30am, at the City Finance and Services Committee meeting.

Read the staff report (1.5 MB)
The report looks at timeline and process-related issues surrounding the City's community plans.

Staff will look at progress to date and feedback gathered through the consultation process so far, in order to identify options for possible additional steps and a revised timeline and budget for each of the four plans. Staff will present a report and recommendations to Council on this matter in late September.

The staff report will be available online prior to the meeting and community members will have the opportunity to provide comment on in writing (via mail or email) or in person, on the day of the meeting.

Details on the specific meetings dates and times will be posted here as soon as they are available.

Thank you for your feedback on the draft Marpole Community Plan!

July 9, 2013 – On Wednesday, June 26, the City held its third and final open house on the draft plan directions for Marpole. All of the open house boards are available in the Documents tab.

The questionnaire related to draft plan directions is now closed. Thank you to everyone who shared their feedback. The comments collected will be used to make further refinements to the final version of the Marpole Community Plan.

Thin Street project no longer on the table in Marpole Community Plan

June 24, 2013 – On Saturday, June 22, the City hosted an open house on the Marpole Community Plan. Part of the open house was set aside to hear the opinions of residents from Marpole regarding the Thin Streets idea, which originated during public consultation by the Mayor’s Task Force on Housing Affordability. Specifically, the City was seeking feedback on a potential Thin Street pilot project on Ash Street, between West 59th Avenue and West 64th Avenue.

At the open house, and in the days leading up to it, residents told us they did not support the Thin Streets concept on Ash Street, and in Marpole in general. As such, we will no longer be pursuing a Thin Streets project in the Marpole area and the idea will not be included in the upcoming community plan. We very much appreciate you taking the time to respectfully let us know your thoughts.

What do you think about the draft plan directions?

June 21, 2013 – If you’re not able to attend one of our open houses (June 22, 24, 26) or would prefer to provide input in the comfort of your own home, this is your chance. Share your views on the draft plan directions for Marpole in our online questionnaire.

The questionnaire closed on July 7, 2013

Open houses on draft plan directions

Join us at an open house to review the draft plan directions. It's another opportunity to offer your feedback for the final Marpole Community Plan. A community plan only happens once every 30 years. Help shape your community's future!

What you thought about our emerging strategies

May 16, 2013 – Recently, we held several workshops and open houses to get your input on the emerging strategies for the Marpole Community Plan. We also had a questionnaire for you and your neighbours to tell us what you liked, or where you’d like to see some changes. Find out what we heard at these sessions and the results of the questionnaire in the links below. Your comments will be used to further refine the emerging strategies as we move towards finalizing the Marpole Community Plan. But before then, stay tuned as we’ll be back out in June with a draft plan to get your input!

What do you think about our emerging strategies for this plan?

March 5, 2013 – We have now completed our second and final open house on March 4, 2013. Weren’t able to attend? No problem. All of the open house boards are available under the 'documents' tab. You can share your thoughts on the planning process so far by completing our questionnaire.

The questionnaire closed on April 1, 2013.

What we heard from the Street-to-Park information Session on Marpole Park

February 25, 2013 – In January 2013, we asked residents what they thought about converting a street around Marpole or “Triangle” Park into more park space. Visit the Documents tab to find out what your neighbours and others told us.

City planning staff engage with a diverse group of residents

February 2013 – Staff were in the community, meeting with specific groups that face challenges to participate in our public events, such as open houses. Our Mandarin- and Cantonese-speaking staff met with over 200 residents, including youth, seniors, Chinese and Taiwanese residents, immigrants, and the Aboriginal community. We translated our planning materials in Chinese.

Open houses and workshops on emerging strategies for the plan

February 15, 2013 – Since we started the community planning process in April 2012, we have been out in the community listening to what you have had to say on a range of topics that affect your neighbourhood. Now it's time to shape the draft plan before it is completed in June.

Come to one of our open houses or workshops in late February or March to share your thoughts!

Feb 28, 2013 – Housing workshop (George Pearson)

March 2, 2013 – Open house (storefront at Granville and West 65th Avenue)

March 13, 2013 – Parks and Open Spaces workshop (Marpole-Oakridge Community Centre)

What we heard from the Street-to-Park information sessions on Ebisu and Shaughnessy Parks

January 18, 2013 – At our two information sessions in November 2012, we asked residents what they thought about converting a street into more park space to expand Ebisu Park and Shaughnessy Park. Check the Documents tab to find out what your neighbours and others told us.

Street-to-Park information session on Marpole Park

January 10, 2013 – In December 2012, we held information sessions to hear what residents thought about converting a street into more park space to expand Ebisu Park and Shaughnessy Park. At these sessions, many also suggested expanding Marpole Park.

Join us at an information session to learn more about the idea of transforming a street around Marpole Park into more park space, offer your feedback and imagine what you'd do with more park space.

2012

Last chance to have your say on the Street-to-Parks project

December 7, 2012 – Ebisu Park and Shaughnessy Park could be expanded by transforming a street into more park space. The initiative would also be part of the City's Greenest City intiatives. Tell us what you think through the online comment form.

The comment form closed on December 10, 2012.

Housing workshop for non-profits and co-op housing providers in Marpole

November 29, 2012 – Non-profits and co-op housing providers were invited to share their views about housing issues, challenges, and opportunities in Marpole. The workshop was also an opportunity to share information on the Marpole Community Plan and the City’s Housing and Homelessness Strategy.

Street-to-Park information session on Ebisu and Shaughnessy Parks

November 8, 2012 – Since the City of Vancouver launched the Marpole Community Plan process this spring, we’ve heard that improving and expanding Marpole’s parks is a priority to you. As part of the current Greenest City initiatives, we can help make this happen! Ebisu Park and Shaughnessy Park could be expanded by transforming a street into more park space.

See maps of the proposed expansion areas on the Details tab.

You can also join us at an information session on street-to-park conversions to learn more, offer your feedback, and imagine what you'd do with more park space.

Neighbourhood walking tour

October 18, 2012 – Thanks to everyone who turned out for the walking tour on October 13. During the tour, we reflected on Marpole's four different and distinct areas and explored the neighbourhood, discussing key planning themes: housing, transportation, parks and public space, community amenities, and land use.

Planning principle open houses

October 3, 2012 – On September 26 and 29, we held two open houses and a series of focus group sessions to get the community’s ideas and thoughts on foundational principles that will guide the Marpole Community Plan. More than 200 participants attended these events.

The principles are intended to inform comprehensive planning in Marpole, as well as shape future growth and development in the community. These open houses were designed to encourage participants to show us what these principles could mean at the neighbourhood level.

Asset maps

September 2012 – During Phase I of the Community Plan, we held a series of open houses and community events to hear your thoughts about Marpole. As part of these events, we set up asset mapping displays, where you showed us what you love and dislike, and gave us some great ideas for the future of Marpole.

We have now mapped this information, and created an online version for you. By clicking on each marker, you can see the comments participants made in regard to a specific location.

Marpole Community Plan questionnaire results

September 2012 – The Marpole Community Plan questionnaire identifies key assets, issues and opportunities important to the Marpole community. The information gathered through this process is part of a wider collection of information which will help identify opportunities and set priorities for positive change and growth in the coming decades.

Over the period that the questionnaire was open for community input (between May 1 – May 22, 2012), we promoted it at our open houses, in focus groups (youth, seniors, Chinese residents, and other established groups), at special events (storytelling night, walking tours), and through distribution on the street and at transit stations. All together, we chatted with over 1,000 people and received 525 completed questionnaires.

City planning staff engage with a diverse group of residents

July 2012 – Staff were in the community, meeting with specific groups that face challenges to participate in our public events, such as open houses. Our Mandarin- and Cantonese-speaking staff met with over 250 residents, including youth, seniors, Chinese and Taiwanese residents, immigrants, and the Aboriginal community. We translated our planning materials in Chinese.

We established the Neighbourhood Network and Marpole Community Plan Outreach Group (CPOG) to help encourage public participation so that the diverse voices of community members were heard throughout the planning process.

Transportation 2040 meeting

July 4, 2012 – As part of the Transportation 2040 Plan Phase 2 process, staff met with 20 community members to identify ways to improve cycling, walking, and transit for getting around in Marpole. The plan will provide a vision for the next 30 years and guide transportation decisions on how people and goods will move in and around Vancouver for the next 15 years.

Exploring Neighbourhood Energy Futures – Marpole session

May 26, 2012 – The first of two special hands-on workshop on energy futures was held at the historic Marpole United Church. Participants explored how energy works in Marpole, and how to start planning and designing for a lower carbon future.

Marpole Community Plan launch events

Marpole walking tour

May 6, 2012 – Residents joined Marpole local Jo-Anne Pringle and urban designer Margot Long as they explored the diversity of features that make Marpole unique on a walking tour that was part of the Jane's Walk series.

City of Vancouver planner Lil Ronalds was on hand to answer questions about the Marpole Community Plan and discuss opportunities to get involved.

Storytelling event: There's No Place Like Home

May 1, 2012 – The City of Vancouver held the Marpole Community storytelling event at the Metro Theatre. Kicking off the Marpole Community Plan process, the event covered a wide range of stories including cultural tales, the story of Musqueam settlement and the Great Marpole Midden, the story of a Chinese immigrant new to Canada and more.

The event was also an opportunity for community members to understand the community planning process and have their say about issues and opportunities facing Marpole.

July 2012 "What we heard" results

May 2012 open house on the plan overview and community profile

Newly revised draft plan: We heard from you

For the past 18 months, we've been working with residents, businesses, and other stakeholders on a new community plan. In June 2013, we received community feedback on a draft Marpole community plan. Since then, we've made some changes and will continue to work with the community on creating a successful plan.

What's important to you

Throughout the planning process, the community told us what’s important to them. Here are some key themes we heard.

Residential character

Protecting the quiet, single-family areas and focusing growth along major streets

Community facilities

Providing facilities to serve a growing population, including renewing the Marpole Library and Marpole-Oakridge Community Centre

Housing affordability

Improving affordable housing for families with children and renters, and availability of social and supportive housing for those in need

Parks and open spaces

Improving existing parks and increasing park space where possible, especially along the Fraser River

Transportation

Improving safety and comfort, and enhancing walking and cycling connections across major streets, to the Canada Line, and to the Fraser River

Local business vitality

The Granville Street shopping area is feeling tired and in need of revitalization and renewal, with a greater diversity of shops and services

How we are responding

We've taken your feedback and created a draft plan that reflects your priorities. Read the highlights.

Walking and cycling

Improve existing walking and cycling routes, and develop new routes, to better connect across the community and the broader area

Housing affordability

Encourage a wider variety of housing options, such as townhouses for families with children

Protect and enhance existing rental housing

Increase social and supportive housing

Vibrant local shopping area along the Granville "High Street"

Support local shops and services with new housing along Granville Street and the surrounding neighbourhood

Support affordable, small-business opportunities

Provide an enjoyable shopping experience with high-quality public spaces, including wider sidewalks, plazas, and landscaping

Timeline

Work on the new Marpole plan will be completed in four key stages.

During each stage, there will be a number of opportunities for community participation and public involvement:

Phase 1: Spring 2012

The first phase of work will launch the project, and consists of:

The compilation of relevant city-wide policy

A review of existing research on neighbourhood issues

Community discussions on Local Area needs, challenges and opportunities related to the key areas of focus

The development of a Local Area Profile

The Profile will be based on a variety of data sources and include sections such as demographics (e.g. population, age, household income, tenure, etc.), forecasts and demographic changes, housing stock (e.g. type, age, tenure, etc.), assessment of potential change and development under existing zoning, synopsis of existing land use and built form, community service needs, cultural spaces, health indicators, sustainability indicators, social development issues, business activity, and water/sewer/storm infrastructure.

Details of the Profile will be provided in at the end of phase 1.

Phase 2: Fall 2012 to Spring 2013

The second phase of the project will be used to generate a plan and policy, and is comprised of three steps.

Step 2.1: Community-wide policies

This part of the program will look at key themes and topic areas. The main steps include:

Generating policy options

Broad public review of options, leading to refinements

Staff recommendations regarding the options

Incorporating the policies into the overall community plan

Step 2.2: Sub-area plans

The process involves open meetings and dialogue with stakeholders to collaboratively produce sub-area plans. The main steps include:

Review of existing policy, land use and transportation patterns

Urban design and economic analysis of options for new development, including alternative land uses

Examination of potential public benefits and improvements to public spaces

Identification of public open space opportunities

Opportunities to optimize street design and enhance active transportation and transit service

Step 2.3: Community action projects and plans

This part of the program focuses on initiatives to take coordinated action on pressing social issues, placemaking initiatives, community development opportunities and other actions that can be accomplished during the planning process.

Some initiatives may be project based (such as urban agriculture and community gardens). Others may be more comprehensive explorations of issues and opportunities for community and service providers to pursue.

Local Area interests and needs, and the availability of staff, volunteers and budget will determine the extent to which new action projects can be undertaken during community planning.

Phase 3: Summer to Fall 2013

At this stage all the elements of the community plan will be brought together for broad community review. The main steps include:

Preparing a draft community plan that combines the community-wide policies and sub-area plans

Identification of recommended priorities and other implementation-related activities

A final broad public review of the draft plan

In an effort to ensure transparency in the process, staff will endeavour to provide a clear link between the ideas generated in Phase 2, and the recommended policies that are included in the plan, so participants will be able to see how their ideas have been incorporated.

Phase 4: Fall to Winter 2013

During Phase 4, the plan will be finalized and prepared for presentation to Council, including:

Modifying and refining the draft plan based on feedback staff preparation of a report for Council

Forwarding the draft plan to Council for adoption and to the Park Board and the School Board for consideration of parks and recreation, or education-related matters

Details on the Street-to-Park initiative in Marpole

Ebisu Park, Shaughnessy Park and Marpole Park could be expanded by transforming a street into more park space. The Marpole Community Plan team has heard from area residents and stakeholders that improving and expanding local park space is a priority. The initiative would also be part of the City's Greenest City intiatives.

Work leading up to this community plan

Marpole has been the subject of a number of planning initiatives since 1980:

The Marpole Plan (1980)

This plan provided direction on topics such as streets and park improvements, traffic management, housing, and shopping area revitalization. In the 1980s parks projects were completed and an area west of Granville was zoned for apartments.

The Oakridge Langara Policy Statement (1995)

This policy included part of the Marpole local area. Among other things, it called for provision of park space to serve Marpole. The Vancouver Park Board has since acquired land for park purposes at 71st and Osler, and on the Fraser shore east of the Oak Street Bridge.The Industrial Lands Policies (1995) directed that the industrially-zoned areas between Marine Drive and the Fraser River remain for industrial use.

CityPlan: Directions for Vancouver (1995)

CityPlan is a citywide plan that will guide City decisions on programs, priorities and actions through 2021. CityPlan provides general directions for a range of topics and issues in which the City is involved including neighbourhood centres, housing variety and affordability, neighbourhood character, services, safety, arts and culture, public places, economy and jobs, transportation, environment, downtown development, financial accountability, and decision making.

The Community Visions Program is a component of CityPlan that provides each community with an opportunity to look into its future, determine its needs and aspirations, and set a course that is consistent with CityPlan. Community visioning is being implemented in areas where there has been little or no previous community planning.